Biological Contaminants

We inhabit a living world with a variety of
living organisms. Every day we encounter and
interact with some of these organisms. These
interactions can have many effects including
adverse health effects. When foreign biological
matter (living or dead) comes in contact with or
enters our body, it is treated like an invading
contaminant -- a war is waged between our immune
system and the contaminant.

Everyone reacts
differently to exposure to various biological
contaminants. Individual reactions depend upon a
wide range of variables such as the individual's
immune response, the type of contaminant, the
amount or concentration of the contaminant, and
the length of time of exposure to the
contaminant.

Biological contaminants consist of living
organisms, dead organisms and particles given off
by organisms while they are living or after they
are dead. Organisms that can contribute to indoor
air quality contamination may include unwanted
pests such as insects or mice; advantageous
organisms such as mold
and bacteria; or pets such as cats, dogs, birds
and reptiles.